153-160
(1) Summary (Kel) The psalmist calls for God to vindicate and deliver him from oppression because he loves and keeps the law but his treacherous adversaries are far from salvation (119:153–160).
(2) Repeated words: Revive v.154, 156, 159
119:154 Fight for me and defend me!
Revive me with your word!
119:156b Revive me, as you typically do!Revive me with your word!
119:159b O LORD, revive me with your loyal love!
(Kel) The verb is the causative stem (piel) of “to live”... it could be translated “preserve my life” or “restore my life,” both of which would fit the passage. In either case he wants deliverance from the oppression of the wicked so that he can live his life fully in the service of the LORD. This appeal is not based on his faithfulness to the Law, but on the LORD’s fulfilling the promises in his oracles. The law declared that the LORD would protect and defend his covenant people if they lived faithfully—and since he is a faithful covenant member, his prayer appeals to the promises of God to be carried out.
161-168
Key words: The right kind of love and hate
e.g. 119:161 Rulers pursue me for no reason,
yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.The psalmist compared the rulers' pursuit with disobeying God's words. He was more afraid of the latter. (NET) The psalmist’s healthy “fear” of the consequences of violating God’s instructions motivates him to obey them.
Reflection: How often we reversed this order. We were so afraid of people and thus we followed them more than we followed God. We are afraid of not being accepted and try so hard to please others.
119:162 I rejoice in your instructions,
like one who finds much plunder.
(NET) The image is that of a victorious warrior who finds a large amount of plunder on the field of battle.
Reflection: Do we share this kind of joy with the psalmist?like one who finds much plunder.
(NET) The image is that of a victorious warrior who finds a large amount of plunder on the field of battle.
119:163 I hate and despise deceit;
I love your law.
119:164 Seven times a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.
119:167 I keep your rules; I love your law.
119:164 Seven times a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.
I love them greatly.
(NET) The number “seven” is used rhetorically to suggest thoroughness.
Reflection: The kind of love of the psalmist must be intense and that was why he praised God 7 times a day and he kept His words. What kind of love do we have to the LORD and HIs words?
Audrey
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